Trailer Parts Catalog	Trailer Hitch Catalog	Tow Bar Catalog
About Us	Search Documentation Catalog	Documentation Catalog	Links	Contact Us

Step 1 First decide where to place the centerline of the axle(s) on the trailer. This position will determine the final axle loading as well as the hitch load. Step 2 Determine the method of attachment you wish to use. A. For structural tube frame rails, refer to Figure 1 for recommended attachment. B. For "C" channel or "I" beam type frame, refer to Figure 2. Step 3 Once the method of attachment is decided, the axle(s) must be carefully aligned on the trailer frame. The axle centerline must be perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the trailer. (See figure 3) Caution: Misalignment of the axle(s) can cause poor tracking and accelerated tire wear. Step 4: Attachment to Structural Tube Type Frames Dexter Axle recommends the use of side mounting hangers when attaching axles to tubular type frames. These hangers are included in the side mount AP kits listed in Chart 2. B. If you wish to pre-weld the side mount hangers to the frame rails, see Figure 1 for the appropriate spacing. C. A convenient way to install the side mount hanger is to preassemble the hangers to the axle when using the hardware provided in the AP kit. Make sure the bolts are tightened to the torque specifications shown in Chart 2. Position the axle assembly on the frame rails in the desired location and weld the side mount hangers to the frame. Step 5: Attachment to ''C'' Channel or ''I'' Beam Type Frames A. Refer to Chart 1 to find the mounting brackets dimensions of your axle(s). This chart shows the dimensions from the wheel center to the bolt holes of the brackets. B. Lay-out the bolt hole locations on the bottom flanges of the frame rails. Make sure that the hole pattern matches the mounting brackets of your axles and is properly oriented to allow proper alignment of the axle(s). C. An alternate method for determining hole location is to position the axle assembly on the frame rails, align it perpendicular to the trailer centerline, clamp in place and transfer the holes directly from the brackets. D. Drill the holes through the frame rails and attach the axle using the hardware provided in the AP kit. Tighten the bolts to the torque specified. NOTE: In the unlikely event a Torflex Axle must be replaced during the warranty period, Dexter Axle cannot assume responsibility for additional costs incurred for removal and re-installation of axles that have been welded directly to the frame. Axles will be built with the distance between the brackets equal to bracket spacing as determined by the above equation, (Figure 1), which uses the outside of frame. The tolerance on this spacing will be 1/8". Locate the outboard face of the side mounting hanger to the same dimension as bracket spacing but with a tolerance of 1/8". The "B" dimension must not be exceeded to insure that the arms will not hit the side of the frame rails. Axles will be built with the distance between the bracket mounting holes equal to the hole spacing as determined by the equation, (Figure 2), which uses the outside of frame. Set hole spacings on the trailer to the same dimension. The "B" dimension must not be exceeded to insure that the arms will not hit the side of the frame rails. Side mount hangers should be welded to frame with three fillet welds 2 1/2" long on both sides of hanger and a fillet weld on each end in accordance with American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code. Side mount hangers and fasteners for mounting axle are provided in AP (attaching parts) kits given in Chart 2. Torque fasteners to levels specified. Install fasteners so that bolt head is against side mount hangers with washer and not against mounting bracket which is welded to the axle.

 

	Copyright 2001-2009 - All Rights Reserved